Patent Application
20240415296
The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a foldable protective device for use with infants. The presently disclosed subject matter further includes methods of making and using the disclosed protective device.
For the first few months, infants mainly transition between sleeping and nursing. During this time, infants commonly wake to feed at all hours of the night. Such a schedule interrupts the sleep pattern of nursing mothers and has proven to be exhausting. For example, during the nighttime hours, the mother must wake up, and lift the infant from a bassinet or other sleeping apparatus. After the infant has finished nursing, the mother must place the infant back into a bassinet. It is often difficult for the mother and infant to fall back asleep because placement in and out of the bassinet requires a significant amount of movement. Due to this movement, the baby often wakes up and/or cries and there is difficulty getting the baby back to sleep.
One solution is to put the infant in the mother's bed, allowing for quick transition between sleep and nursing. It has been shown that co-sleeping promotes an increase in the infant's self-esteem, confidence, and sensitivity, as well as environmental acceptance. Particularly, lying next to a parent or caregiver can calm the infant, which may reduce the risk of cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome. Further, co-sleeping facilitates bonding and is associated with higher rates of and continuation of breastfeeding across cultures. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has advised against bed-sharing for sleep. Particularly, when mothers are exhausted and fall asleep, they can roll over and inadvertently hurt or even asphyxiate the infant. A co-sleeping infant can also roll out of the bed, get caught between the bed and the wall, and/or get positioned under the covers.
It would therefore be beneficial to provide a simplified protective device that enables a mother and infant to easily transition between sleeping and breastfeeding, while also reducing or eliminating the dangers often associated with co-sleeping.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a protective device. The device comprises a first arm defined by a first end, an opposed second end, and a length therebetween. The first arm further includes a top face and an opposed bottom face. The bottom face of the first arm comprises a retention element that cooperates with a corresponding retention element on a support surface to keep the arm from unintentional movement. The protective device includes a second arm defined by a first end, an opposed second end, and a length therebetween. The second arm also includes a top face and an opposed bottom face. The bottom face of the second arm comprises a retention element that cooperates with a corresponding retention element on a support surface. The protective device further includes apertures positioned on each of the first and second ends of the first and second arms. The device comprises a first fastener that cooperates with the apertures positioned on the first ends of the first arm and the second arm to join the first ends of the first and second arms together. The device includes a second fastener that cooperates with the apertures positioned on the second ends of the first arm and the second arm to join the second ends of the first and second arms together. The protective device comprises an unfolded orientation where the bottom face of the first and second arms are adjacent and configured to contact a support surface to form an enclosed interior. The protective device comprises a folded orientation where the top face of the first arm directly contacts the top face of the second arm. The protective device rotates between the folded and unfolded orientations.
In some embodiments, the retention element on the bottom face and the support surface is a hook and loop closure.
In some embodiments, the retention element is selected from one or more magnets, ties, clasps, fasteners, or clips.
In some embodiments, the support surface is a bedsheet configured on a mattress, padding, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the first and second arms are mirror images of each other.
In some embodiments, the bottom face of the first and second arms each include a surface area comprising up to about 100% of a retention element.
In some embodiments, the device includes a length in the unfolded orientation of about 20-100 inches.
In some embodiments, the device includes a width of about 10-100 inches in both the folded and unfolded orientations.
In some embodiments, the device includes a thickness of about 0.01-5 inches in both the folded and unfolded orientations.
In some embodiments, the device includes a height of about 3-25 inches in the unfolded orientation.
In some embodiments, the first and second arms include a plurality of air flow openings.
In some embodiments, the device includes mesh positioned over the plurality of air flow openings.
In some embodiments, the fastener is selected from one or more bands, ties, rings, hinges, or buttons.
In some embodiments, the top face of the first and second arms include an attachment that removably secures the arms in the folded position.
In some embodiments, the attachment is selected from a magnet, hook and loop closure, ties, snaps, buttons, or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of securing the disclosed protective device on a support surface. Particularly, the method comprises contacting the retention element positioned on the bottom face of the first arm or the bottom face of the second arm of the protective device in the folded orientation with a corresponding retention element positioned on the support surface. The method includes rotating the protective device to the unfolded orientation such that the retention elements positioned on the bottom face of both the first arm and second arm contact the corresponding retention element positioned on the support surface, such that the protective device is secured to a top face of the support surface.
In some embodiments, the support surface is a bedsheet.
In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of co-sleeping with an infant. Particularly, the method comprises contacting the retention elements positioned on the bottom faces of the first and second arms of the disclosed protective device in the unfolded orientation with corresponding retention elements positioned on the support surface, wherein the enclosed interior is created. The method includes positioning an infant within the enclosed interior and co-sleeping with the infant. Beneficially, the parent can walk away and the baby remains secure.
The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.
As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.
As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.
The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a device that can safely and easily be used to secure and protect an infant when co-sleeping with a parent. The parent can also securely and safely use the disclosed device and walk away from the baby. Co-sleeping refers to the practice of a parent or caregiver and an infant sleeping in the same bed. The term “infant” refers to a human that is 12 months or less of age. As shown in
As shown, bottom face 30 includes retention element 35. The retention element can include any structure that holds device 5 in place on the support structure. Thus, retention element 35 can include (but is not limited to) VELCRO® (e.g., two strips of material, one strip with loops and the other strip with hooks), magnets, snaps, clasps, fasteners, ties, or combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that device retention element 35 cooperates with a corresponding support retention element to keep the device in place.
In some embodiments, retention element 35 can make up about 100% of the surface area of bottom face 30. In other embodiments, the retention element can make up about 5-99% of the surface of bottom face 30 (e.g., at least/no more than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent). The retention element should be present in a sufficient amount to keep device 5 in place, despite movement of the infant, movement of blankets, turning over of a parent, and the like.
Although illustrated in a rectangular shape in
In some embodiments, the top face of both the first and second arms include an attachment element that removably secures the top faces of the arms together when in a folded configuration, as discussed in detail below. As shown in
First and second arms 10, 15 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as (but not limited to), fabric, resilient flexible material (e.g., woven cotton, wood, polyester, felt, fleece) plastic, foam, padded or stuffed materials (e.g., including filler material selected from fibers, foam, polyfiber, and/or wadding), inflatable materials, wood, metal, cardboard, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the arms can be constructed from a rigid material (e.g., wood, metal, and/or plastic) and include a soft material (e.g., bedding, padding) positioned within the interior surface of the device so that the infant cannot be harmed by the rigid surfaces. The materials selected for use with device 5 can be washable and can include antifungal and/or antibacterial properties in some embodiments.
The disclosed device can be configured in one or more predetermined sizes (with respect to the length, width, and height of the protected interior compartment) to comfortably receive and protect an infant of a corresponding predetermined size. To this end, device 5 can have any suitable length 40 and width 45, as shown in
In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second arms can include openings 12 to allow for air flow, visual sight line between the infant and parent, and the like, as shown in
Mesh 13 can therefore provide an added safety feature. Particularly, if an infant becomes positioned on their stomach while sleeping, the infant will be able to continue breathing through the mesh while facing downward, preventing the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or asphyxiation.
Any suitable method can be used to attach mesh 13 to the inner and/or outer surface of sidewall 11, such as the use of adhesive, sewing, and the like. It should be appreciated that mesh 13 and openings 12 are optional features.
As set forth above, device 5 also includes fasteners 20 that permanently or releasably attach first and second devices arms 10, 15 together. The term “fastener” broadly refers to any element that can releasably join the first and second arms together to form the device. Stated another way, the fasteners join the first ends of each of the first and second arms together and the second ends of the arms together, thereby forming an interior compartment where an infant may be placed.
Suitable fasteners can include (but are not limited to) bands, ties, rings, hinges, buttons, and the like. For example, one or both arms of the device can include at least one aperture 70 that form a channel, as shown in
Although illustrated with a single aperture 70 at the end of each arm, it should be appreciated that the device can include embodiments wherein each arm includes more than one aperture positioned at a desired location or locations on the arms.
In use, the device can be positioned on a desired support surface, such as (but not limited to) a bedsheet, mattress, rug, and the like. The term “support surface” can include any conventional flooring or furniture that has a substantially flat surface (bed, etc.). Thus, device 5 can be used by a parent when co-sleeping with an infant. Bottom face 30 of first arm 10 and/or second arm 15 can be positioned directly adjacent to support surface 75 allowing the device retention agent to contact the support retention agent to secure the device in place. In some embodiments, the device is positioned in the extended or unfolded orientation of
Device retention element 35 cooperates with support retention element 36 (e.g., hook and loop closure, magnets, etc.) to ensure that the device stays in a desired position. In the folded orientation of
After the device has been removably attached to support surface 75 (in the extended or folded orientation), an infant can be positioned within the interior of the device, as shown in
In the folded configuration of
In some embodiments, device 5 can be configured to include more than two arms that rotate towards at least one other arm. For example, each of the first and second arms can be divided into two or more arms that can be independently rotated to a folded orientation as set forth above. In other embodiments, the device includes 3 arms instead of two (or any odd number of arms), each arm being configured to move independently of the other arms. In still other embodiments, the device can include a single arm.
When the user desires to remove the infant from the device, the infant can easily be lifted out of the device interior. Alternatively, the device can be maneuvered to the folded orientation of
The disclosed protective device offers many advantages over similar prior art devices. For example, because device 5 allows the infant to remain securely within the device interior region, the infant can safely co-sleep with a parent or caregiver. Due to the height of the device, the parent cannot roll over and onto the infant and the infant cannot fall off of the bed or escape the device enclosure.
Because the device enables the infant to sleep close to the mother, the child can be easily moved into position for breastfeeding without leaving the bed.
Further, when the infant breastfeeds to sleep, the mother can easily let the baby continue sleeping within the device by rotating the arm downward without waking the infant up by moving them into a separate bed.
When the device is no longer in use, it can be easily folded and secured together for storage until it is needed again. For example, the arms can be easily separated and overlayed to create a small footprint, similar to stackable cups. In this way, the device can be stored or transported quickly and easily.
Use of device 5 increases quality sleep for parents, caregivers, and infants.
Device 5 is entirely separate from the support surface (e.g., bedding). As such, the mattress sheet and the device can be laundered separately. Thus, a single device can be used with a plurality of sheets.
The device also offers peace of mind for a caregiver or parent when sleeping, knowing that the infant is safe and within reach.
Device 5 allows a parent or caregiver to leave an infant unattended without worrying about the infant being harmed if the infant falls asleep in the bed. The device can be positioned around the infant, and the parent can leave the room.
The disclosed device also provides an enclosure that prevents an infant from sticking their head or appendages through openings in the device. For example, mesh can be used to prevent harm to the infant. The mesh windows allow an infant pressed against the device sidewalls to breathe by allowing airflow between the inside and outside of device.
Device 5 is configured as a breathable device that allows air to circulate through the first and second arms. For example, the infant is able to breathe through the mesh material and is protected from falling out of the device and/or bed.
The disclosed device, when attached and secured into place on support surface 75, provides a barrier that keeps an infant in a desired location.
Advantageously, the disclosed device is easy to use, such that even children and the elderly can assemble and disassemble device 5.
While the presently disclosed subject matter has been discussed primarily with regard to infants, the disclosed device can also be used with older children and pets, as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
Exemplary embodiments of the methods and components of the presently disclosed subject matter have been described herein. As noted elsewhere, these embodiments have been described for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. Other embodiments are possible and are covered by the presently disclosed subject matter. Such embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/521,753, filed Jun. 19, 2024, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63521753 | Jun 2023 | US |
